Fundraising run to support youth athletics

Courtesy of: MONEY FoundationRunners take part in the inaugural 5K fundraiser for the MONEY foundation in support of youth athletics in May 2013.

Lincolnville — The More Opportunities for Neighborhood Youth (MONEY) Foundation will hold its second 5K road race fundraiser Sunday, May 25.

The nonprofit was established in 2002 by Paul and Carolyn Russo in memory of their son Mikail after his suicide. Since Mikail loved sports, the foundation was set up to support youngsters who need help getting to sports camps, taking part in travel teams or participating in other athletic activities, Paul Russo said.

The race, which begins and ends at Lincolnville Central School, starts at 10 a.m. Registration, with a fee of $25, begins at 8:30 a.m. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome, said Russo, and runners are encouraged to get pledges.

Last year, 64 participants ran and walked the Lincolnville course, with another 20 or so taking part virtually – paying the entry fee and running in places as diverse as Atlanta, Boston and Greece, Russo said.

The first 50 runners will receive T-shirts, and there will be hats and athletic gear as prizes, thanks to support from local businesses. Runners who get pledges will be entered into a raffle for a pair of Red Sox tickets supplied by Jaret & Cohn, he said.

There will also be a free, one-mile fun run for children at 9 a.m. at the school.

In previous years, MONEY has held a home-run derby as a fundraiser, Russo said. But since that relied heavily on students selling tickets, it was decided to switch to a more inclusive fundraising model. A lot of the group's funding comes from local businesses and individuals who contribute, he said.

With minimal costs for administration, all the money raised by MONEY goes towards its mission. “Every penny we raise goes to help young athletes,” Russo said.

For more information or to register, visit the foundation's website at moneyathleticfoundation.org.

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Sarah E. Reynolds has been a reporter and writer for more than 20 years, winning awards from the Maine Press Association and other professional organizations. She loves to read, ride her ATV and play word games.